History

The 7th Support Group (or "pivot group") provided whatever
support the division's armoured brigades needed for the operation
in hand. It was able to provide motorised infantry, field
artillery, anti-tank artillery or light anti-aircraft artillery as
needed.
After the 8th Army was re-organised
in preparation for El
Alamein, the support group ceased to be and became either a
motor brigade or lorried infantry brigade to support the armour in
greater strength.[3]

Commanders

Brigader John Charles Campbell - It was
when in command of the 7th Support Group that "Jock"
Campbell was awarded his Victoria Cross.

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Official VC
Citation

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the
VICTORIA CROSS to Brigadier (acting) John Charles Campbell, DS0, MC
(135944), Royal Horse Artillery,

in recognition of most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to
duty at Sidi Rezegh on 21 and 22 November, 1941.

On the 21st November Brigadier Campbell was commanding the
troops, including one regiment of tanks, in the area of Sidi Rezegh
ridge and the aerodrome. His small force holding this important
ground was repeatedly attacked by large numbers of tanks and
infantry. Wherever the situation was most difficult and the
fighting hardest he was to be seen with his forward troops, either
on his feet or in his open car. In this car he carried out several
reconnaissances for counter-attacks by his tanks, whose senior
officers had all become casualties early in the day. Standing in
his car with a blue flag, this officer personally formed up tanks
under close and intense fire from all natures of enemy weapons.

On the following day the enemy attacks were intensified and
again Brigadier Campbell was always in the forefront of the
heaviest fighting, encouraging his troops, staging counter-attacks
with his remaining tanks and personally controlling the fire of his
guns. On two occasions he himself manned a gun to replace
casualties. During the final enemy attack on the 22nd November he
was wounded, but continued most actively in the foremost positions,
controlling the fire of batteries which inflicted heavy losses on
enemy tanks at point blank range, and finally acted as loader to
one of the guns himself.

Throughout these two days his magnificent example and his utter
disregard of personal danger were an inspiration to his men and to
all who saw him. His brilliant leadership was the direct cause of
the very heavy casnafties inflicted on the enemy. In spite of his
wound he refused to be evacuated and remained with his command,
where his outstanding bravery and consistent determination had a
marked effect in maintaining the splendid fighting spirit of those
under him.

References

Playfair, Major-General
I.S.O.; and others (2006). Mediterranean and Middle East
Volume I: The Early Successes Against Italy (to May 1941).
History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series.
Naval & Military Press. ISBN
1-84734-426-7.